Manila: Security officials have mooted support for the creation of a separate law enforcement authority for Bangsamoro, pointing out its functions will not overlap with that of the national police.
“The PNP (Philippine National Police) strongly supports the legislative proposal of House Bill 4994 (which calls for creation of Bangsamoro police force) which is the instrument of peace in the Bangsamoro region,” police director Edgardo Ingking said.
Ingking made the statement during a hearing held Tuesday by the House of Representatives’ Ad Hoc Committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law. Bangsamoro is a term used by Muslim inhabitants of Mindanao and parts of the Philippines, when referring to themselves.
The hearings on Tuesday are part of the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which signed the comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro with the government in March after two decades of conflict.
During the hearing, Department of National Defence Undersecretary Lorenzo Batino said they do not see any problem with the proposed Bangsamoro territory having its own police.
“The defence department is supportive of the passage of the BBL as a manifestation of government’s commitment for peace and development in Mindanao,” the state-run Philippine Information Agency quoted him as saying.
For her part, National Security Council Deputy Director General Zenonida Brosas said they fully support the Bangsamoro Bill because of its “positive national implications.” She said the BBL, if passed by the Senate and House and enacted by President Benigno Aquino III, “will pave the way for settling the internal conflict in the south which will enable the national government to focus on the protection of our external territorial integrity and maritime domain.”
Brosas also said that creation of the Bangsamoro would help curb the spread of extremism in Mindanao.
“The Bangsamoro government would help moderate radicalism being promoted by Daesh in Iraq and Syria and urge the Muslim communities away from Daesh influence,” Brosas said, adding passing the BBL will “provide a better chance for political and economic reforms in Mindanao as well as improve the security and development of the area.”
According to an earlier statement by government chief negotiator in peace talks with the MILF, Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, the Bangsamoro police will be subordinate to the PNP.
“The Bangsamoro police force will be under the command and direction of the Director General of the PNP,” she said
She also said that while the future Bangsamoro government will be in charge of primary public order and safety within the Bangsamoro, the government would maintain overall control of the regional police unit.
“Consistent with the constitution, the Bangsamoro police force will be under the command and direction of the national police chief and the administrative control and supervision of the national police commission,” she said.
She added the establishment of Bangsamoro Police is part of the security component of the peace agreement which aims to bring back normalcy to parts of Mindanao which had suffered from years of conflict between the government and Moro separatists.
